If you've recently become engaged, chances are you are on cloud nine. This can be a wonderful time, but it can also be stressful. Daydreaming about getting married is one thing. Actually planning a wedding and reception is a whole other thing. The most important thing is to plan ahead and stay organized.

When picking a wedding date, make sure that you're allowing yourself the time you need to plan the wedding of your dreams. While weddings can successfully come together in six months, you'll save yourself a lot of grief if you give it a year or a year-and-a-half.

Once you have a date figured out, then it's time to sit down with your fiancé and discuss what you both hope to include in your big day. This way you can find out what you're on the same page about and/or where you need to compromise. Remember, every marriage has compromise, so you better get used to it while in the planning process of your wedding.

The first things you need to get in order are the site of the ceremony and the site of the reception. You should have both of these picked out and signed on no later than a year before the wedding date.

This is also a good time to start wedding gown shopping. This is probably the most important dress you'll ever purchase, so you want to be able to take your time. Another thing to consider is that most wedding gowns are actually made after they are ordered. That means the earlier you can find your dream gown, the better.

About eight months before the wedding start meeting with potential caterers, photographers, DJs, and florists. You will also need to make a final decision on what your bridesmaids are going to be wearing.

By six months before the wedding, start to put together a list of guests and their addresses. It will take some time to finalize your list before you're able to order invitations.

Three months before the wedding things really start to pick up. There are many smaller tasks that you just can't worry about sooner than this. At this point you should shop for a wedding cake, wedding rings, tuxedos, and pick out a florist.

Six to eight weeks before the wedding is a great time to send out the invitations. Make sure to give your guests enough time to make necessary travel arrangements.

Don't forget the marriage license. About a month before the wedding make sure you and your fiancé take care of that.

A week before the wedding call every vendor and location to confirm details. It's also a good idea to put together little index cards with all of their contact information. Then you can hand out those cards to your parents and attendants. That way, on the big day, they can handle the communication for you.

Remember, planning something so big doesn't come without some stress. However, the right planning and organization can ease things for you, so you can truly enjoy your wedding day.